The IDF, or, Israel Defense Forces, is the national military force of the State of Israel and consists of the Israeli Ground Force, the Israeli Air Force, and the Israeli Navy.
The IDF is headed by the Chief of General Staff, who holds the rank of Lieutenant General and is the only active officer who does so. The chief of staff as of November 2021 is Aviv Kohavi.
The IDF was formally established in May 1948 after the creation of the Jewish State, and it encompassed the three paramilitary groups which existed prior to the state - the Hagana, the Irgun, and the Stern Gang (Lehi).
Since the formation of the IDF, it has participated in six major wars including the War of Independence, the Six-Day War, the Sinai War, the Yom Kippur War, and the first and second Lebanon Wars. Other operations include Operation Cast Lead, Operation Pillar of Defense, Operation Protective Edge, and Operation Guardian of the Walls.
Conscription to the IDF is mandatory for both men and women over the age of 18, with women in non-combat positions serving for two years, and women in combat positions, and men, regardless of position, have a mandatory service of two years and eight months.
In addition to regular military duties and activities, the IDF responds to national emergencies or crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and provides personnel to carry out work alongside the civilian population.
Two shotguns seized, terrorism suspects arrested throughout West Bank overnight
If there is no deal, Israel’s shadow war with Iran may continue to escalate in the near future.
The police team that reviewed the military's internal probe is recommending additional "investigative actions."
The drugs, worth about NIS 3 million, and the suspects were transferred for further investigation.
This is the latest in a long string of thwarted smugglings. The IDF has flagged the border area with Lebanon as vulnerable to enemy infiltration.
It took being exposed to the ravages of war for Marc Provisor to find his passion in art.
Dogs4Soldiers, under the Belev Echad organization, combines dog therapy with other treatment methods to help IDF veterans battling PTSD.
US-sponsored talks between Israel and several Gulf states have taken place amid increased threats from Tehran.
The IDF teams mapping out the scene of Abu Akleh's death will also include officers from Unit 9900 as well as other intelligence staff.
We need new rules of engagement that won’t wait until there is a reason to shoot and worry about the response.
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